Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My Bet on Toyota's Sudden Acceleration Problem

"The reason the NHTSA couldn't find the cause of sudden acceleration in Toyota isn't because they lack the technological expertise, it's because the problem doesn't exist (at least beyond the obvious mechanical issues like pedals getting caught on floor mats)."

"The symptoms and demographics of "unintended acceleration" are amazingly exactly the same as they've always been since long before cars had any sophisticated electronics. Funny how this new supposed electronic problem should exactly mimic another problem that's been seen for years. Not only that, but the symptoms surprisingly defy logic and physics in exactly the same way - somehow suddenly brakes which when fully applied can stop any modern car even at full throttle, somehow yet again stop working just when they're needed the most. Coincidence? Wouldn't you expect if it were really a new problem with the modern advanced electronics that just maybe it would produce problems previously unseen as well as not disproportionately hitting old people?
Who knows, maybe if NASA can finally put all this obvious nonsense to rest with a thorough debunking it will be worth it. But as it's hard to prove a negative, it will likely just end up with some noncommittal "can't rule anything out" BS and just be a total waste of money and time."